The stage is set for an exciting week of high school football in Sault Ste. Marie as the 2025 senior postseason kicks off on Thursday, October 16th, and Friday, October 17th at Superior Heights Secondary School. Four programs — the White Pines Wolverines, Korah Colts, Superior Heights Steelhawks, and St. Mary’s Knights — will battle for a berth in the 2025 Sault Ste Marie City championships on Friday, October 24th. The defending champion Korah Colts enter the playoffs as the top seed, looking to continue their dominant run, while the second-place Superior Heights Steelhawks aim to capitalize on their strong 4-2 season and home-field advantage. The third-seeded St. Mary’s Knights bring momentum and consistency into the postseason, while the White Pines Wolverines, fresh off their first senior win in over a decade, look to play spoiler and extend their remarkable turnaround story. With pride, rivalry, and championships on the line, fans can expect two nights of hard-hitting, emotional football under the lights.
White Pines Wolverines
Coach – Will Basawa
The White Pines Wolverines closed out the 2025 Sault Ste. Marie High School Senior Football season with a 1-5 record and finishing in fourth — but that single win carried enormous weight, marking the program’s first senior victory in over a decade. For a team that’s been building from the ground up, it was more than just a number in the win column — it was a sign of progress and pride. “Early in the year, we had the talent and the heart, but we didn’t always put together four full quarters,” the coaching staff shared. “Now? We got that first win and we’re fiending for another.” The Wolverines have developed a tougher edge as the season went on, showing more discipline, execution, and energy on every snap. They’ve faced adversity head-on and emerged more resilient — a testament to how far the group has come.
As the postseason arrives, the Wolverines know that every team left standing has earned its place. The message from the coaches is simple — control what you can control. “When you get to the postseason, everybody’s good. The lights are brighter, the stakes are higher — but football’s still football,” said the coaching staff. Preparation remains the key. The team has emphasized that success starts during the week — in film study, on the practice field, and through accountability. “You win games at practice, not just on game day,” the coach added. “Know your assignment, trust your teammates, do your job — and the pressure becomes an opportunity instead of a problem.”
The Wolverines have been reminded to enjoy the moment, too. Despite the ups and downs of the season, they’ve built a foundation based on teamwork, effort, and belief. “Don’t get tight — go out and have fun,” their coach tells them. “It’s still a game. It’s still about hitting, blocking, and scoring touchdowns.” That perspective has kept spirits high and the locker room tight-knit, even through challenges. The team’s camaraderie and determination have been evident in how they’ve competed in every game, setting the tone for what could be a new era for White Pines football.
Looking ahead to their semifinal matchup against the defending champion Korah Colts, the Wolverines know they’ll need to be at their absolute best. “When you’re going up against a team like Korah, you better be sharp in three areas: discipline, physicality, and execution,” the coaching staff emphasized. That means minimizing penalties and turnovers, controlling the line of scrimmage, and sticking to their identity — a physical run game paired with smart, controlled passing and relentless defense. “If we do those things right,” the coach said with a grin, “we’ve got our puncher’s chance.” For a program that’s fought to rebuild its confidence, that belief alone shows just how far they’ve come.
____________________________________________
Korah Colts
Coach – Tom Annett
The Korah Colts capped off an outstanding regular season by finishing first in the senior division of Sault Ste. Marie High School Football with a 6-0 undefeated season. The program’s continued success is built on a foundation of strong leadership and a winning culture that runs deep throughout the team. “Our team leadership and culture are the foundation of our program’s success,” said the Colts’ coaching staff. “We have a great team dynamic — this group has a very close bond, and they challenge each other to get better every practice.” That unity has translated into consistent effort and performance week after week.
Offensively, the Colts have shown impressive balance and growth, particularly through the air. Their passing game has taken major strides this season, highlighted by a dominant outing in difficult conditions. “We threw for over 220 yards in heavy rain last game,” the coaches noted, “and there was a straight clock midway through the second quarter, so we only had about 24 offensive snaps.” That efficiency and confidence in their aerial attack have made Korah a dangerous offensive unit capable of striking quickly and adapting to any situation.
Throughout the season, the Colts have approached each matchup with a playoff mindset, refusing to take any opponent lightly. “We have been preparing for every game this season as if it were a playoff game,” said the staff. That focus and commitment have set the tone for the team’s success and will continue to drive their preparation as they head into the semi-finals. The consistency in effort, discipline, and attention to detail has been key to maintaining their high standard of play.
As they prepare for the next challenge, the Colts plan to stay aggressive and versatile on both sides of the ball. “This week, we will continue being multiple on offense,” the coaching staff explained. “Defensively, we need to take away our opponents’ top plays and key on a couple of their top athletes. With special teams, we’ll continue to mix in a variety of fakes and different sets to keep our opponents off balance.” With that balanced approach and a determined mindset, the Korah Colts are well-positioned to make another deep postseason run.
____________________________________________
St Mary’s Knights
Coach – Jim Monico
The St. Mary’s Knights wrapped up the Sault Ste. Marie High School Football regular season in third place with a 1-5 record in the senior division, showing steady improvement and resilience throughout the year. The biggest area of growth for the Knights has been their consistency. “Early in the season, we showed flashes of what we could be, but now we’re playing at that level week in and week out,” said the coaching staff. Players have grown more comfortable in their roles, communication has improved, and the team has learned how to close out tough games. That maturity and composure have given the Knights confidence heading into the playoffs — where execution and trust become the difference-makers.
As the team prepares for the postseason, the focus remains on sticking to what has worked all year. “The playoffs bring more energy and emotion, but we can’t let that change our approach,” the staff explained. St. Mary’s continues to rely on preparation, discipline, and teamwork — from film sessions to practice intensity — while trusting the process that brought them success. The coaches emphasize staying grounded, while the players push each other to remain accountable. By channeling the added pressure of playoff football into motivation, the Knights are ready to compete with confidence and poise.
Heading into the semifinal matchup, the Knights know that execution and discipline will be the keys to advancing. “We know who we are and what we do well — when we play to our identity, we’re tough to beat,” said the coaching staff. On offense, maintaining balance, protecting the football, and finishing drives will be crucial. Defensively, the Knights aim to fly around, communicate, and win key downs, while special teams will focus on gaining those hidden yards that often decide playoff games. With a united group and a clear identity, St. Mary’s believes they have what it takes to make a deep postseason run.
____________________________________________
Superior Heights Steelhawks
Coach – Matt DeSando
The Superior Heights Steelhawks wrapped up an impressive 2025 Sault Ste. Marie High School Senior Football regular season with a 4-2 record, finishing second in the division. It’s been a year defined by steady growth and a commitment to mastering the fundamentals. “The biggest area of growth has been our fundamental skills of the game,” said the coaching staff. “We’ve continuously gotten better at doing simple things routinely and making timely plays.” The Steelhawks have built confidence through discipline and repetition, but they remain focused on improvement heading into the playoffs. “Our group is confident we can continue to get better — we are not satisfied,” they added.
As the Steelhawks prepare for their semifinal matchup, the focus shifts to preparation and precision. “All week long you prepare for three hours on Friday night,” said the coaches. “The preparation is rigorous and needs to be intense to get ready for a game of this magnitude.” The team understands the challenge ahead as they prepare to face a talented and well-coached St. Mary’s College squad. Every practice, film session, and rep is being used to fine-tune execution and ensure the group feels confident in their matchups. That attention to detail has been a defining trait of the Steelhawks’ program this season.
Throughout the year, Superior Heights has emphasized consistency and complementary football across all three phases — offense, defense, and special teams. “We continue to work toward that goal and strive to achieve it Friday night,” the staff explained. The team plans to lean on its experience and the foundation built through weeks of preparation to make a deep playoff run. “It is essential that we execute assignments and make fundamental skills routine, habitual, and part of our game,” the coaches said. With that mindset, the Steelhawks enter the postseason with focus, confidence, and a belief that disciplined football will carry them forward.
Watch for our 2025 Junior Sault Ste Marie High School Football Playoff Preview on Wednesday, October 15th.
